Huo Qubing (140-117 BC) was a general of the Western Han under Emperor Wu of Han. He was known for his campaigns against the Xiongnu.
Biography[]
Huo Qubing was born in 140 BC, the illegitimate son of a civil servant and a Han princess. He was raised by his mother and the wealth and glory of her Wei family, and Emperor Wu of Han made him a general and his personal assistant. Huo was sent to engage the Xiongnu in 123 BC at the age of 17, and he killed or captured over 12,000 barbarians, including their king's grandfather.
In 121, the Chanyu retreated his forces to the Gobi Desert, hoping to form a natural barrier between the Chinese and his forces, but Emperor Wu sent Huo further to attack them on an expedition. Along with his uncle, Wei Qing, he led 300,000 infantry and cavalry into battle and killed 70,443 Xiongnu troops, capturing three lords and 83 nobles, and although he lost 20% of his men, they were quickly replenished by local counties.
During his career, he refused Wu's suggestion to start a family, as he believed that he could not marry until the Xiongnu were eliminated. However, he was far from humble. He didn't share food with his soldiers, ordered them to play soccer even when they were low on rations, and he killed his subordinate Li Gan for assaulting his uncle (although his uncle forgave Li Gan). Huo Qubing died in 117 BC at the age of 23, and Emperor Wu built a tomb for him, honoring him. He was one of China's greatest generals.